Government crack down on 457 skilled visa workers

The Australian Federal Government is cracking down on the number of 457 skilled worker visas handed out to McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s and other fast-food chains.

According to reports, McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s and KFC will no longer be able to sponsor foreign workers on sponsored visas to work at their fast-food outlets.

Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton is reportedly ending a former Labor Government deal that provided major fast food outlets the opportunity to import foreign staff on 457 visas.

“Every Australian teenager should have the chance to get a job at the local shops,” Mr Dutton said.

“The Aussie kid shouldn’t be knocked out of the job by a foreign worker, which is what Bill Shorten did.”

The fast-food outlets will be barred from sponsoring foreign workers on 457 visas, which are used to fill temporary skill shortages in the workplace.

Mr Dutton said it was an important move to ensure young Australians could gain access to employment.
Workers affected by the move will be forced to leave Australia once their agreements run out, unless the employer is able to provide a valid reason as to why they should be able to remain in Australia.

This is the first time in Australia that an entire sector has been banned from using the 457 visas.

Statistics revealed more than 500 457 skilled visas have been approved in the last four years, with McDonald’s bringing in a total of 285 foreign workers, KFC 88 and Hungry Jacks just over 70.

This will no doubt impact many 457 visa holders currently working in the fast-food sector. If you are on a 457 visa and worried about the Governments latest move, please contact us to discuss your migration options. Our team of Registered Migration Agents and Immigration Lawyers will assess your migration options and provide you with a plan of action to ensure your peace of mind.

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